Archbishop Brown: Farewell and thank you for defending Life, Family and Freedom in Ireland!

In one of his last public functions as Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown will be celebrating Mass on RTE, today, for St Patrick's Day (2017).

Somehow it seems fitting that Archbishop Brown should end his ministry in Ireland on the day which honours another man, whose zeal for the Gospel is known to have comprehensively converted Ireland to Christianity.

Indeed, Archbishop Brown truly walked in the footsteps of the great saint - especially noted and appreciated in his tireless efforts, criss-crossing Ireland, to spread the message of the Good News, and revivify the Irish Church.

Now, after five years of dedicated service, Archbishop Brown is being moved from Ireland to Albania, in the usual manner of reshuffling of Vatican diplomatic posts.

But, while in Ireland as "the Pope's Ambassador", Archbishop Brown worked on, and achieved (with the help of God) the following:

The reopening of Ireland's Embassy to the Vatican in 2014, after having been closed for more than two years.

The installation of eleven Bishops into their dioceses, with seven more in the process of being appointed. The new appointments include men such as Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh,Bishop Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin, Bishop Leahy of Limerick, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe, and Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin -- all men with the hearts of true pastors.

The support of the many youth and catechetical movements within the Church in Ireland.

Generally guiding the Vatican through very difficult times in Ireland after the release of the Cloyne Report, and, at the same time, by his affable good nature, giving encouragement and solace to the victims, the faithful and the Irish clergy.

The steadfast defence of Life, Family and Freedom.

As such, Archbishop Brown's imprint on Ireland will be felt for some time to come. And, Ireland is better for it.

In order to show our gratitude and wish him well on his next assignment, therefore, we are opening this virtual "Book of Well Wishes". And, also, if you wish, you may even leave your own brief message of thanks when signing.

Please send your well wishes and gratitude to Archbishop Brown for a job well done.

Guím rath Dé ar a chuid oibre amach anseo.

Finally, it somehow seems appropriate, today, to send Archbishop Brown on his way with a couple of the rousing verses fromThe Lorica of St Patrick -

I arise todayThrough the strength of the love of cherubim,In the obedience of angels,In the service of archangels,In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,In the prayers of patriarchs,In the predictions of prophets,In the preaching of apostles,In the faith of confessors,In the innocence of holy virgins,In the deeds of righteous men.

....

I arise todayThrough a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,Through belief in the Threeness,Through confession of the Onenessof the Creator of creation.

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Farewell and thank you for defending Life, Family and Freedom in Ireland!

Dear Archbishop Brown, Your Excellency,

After five years, I understand that your ministry as Papal Nuncio to Ireland is now coming to a close.

You have worked with tremendous vigour and obvious apostolic zeal -- and so, it is fitting that you are the chief celebrant of the televised Mass on RTE, for this year's St Patrick's Day.

On this, the occasion of one of your last public functions in Ireland, I would, therefore, like to join the many others who are signing this "Book of Well Wishes", and express my gratitude for your tireless work and prayer for the Irish Church.

Your energetic and dynamic work to spread and, in some cases, give new life to, the Good News in Ireland did not go unnoticed.

I am certain that the many people you met, as you frequently criss-crossed Ireland, appreciated your dedication to the Gospel of Christ, your good natured and affable disposition, and your common sense approach to the problems you faced as the Vatican's "man on the ground".

Of course, we cannot forget to add our appreciation of the excellent appointments to the episcopate, which you helped guide to fruition. Also, I want to thank you for working to restore relations between the Irish state and the Vatican, such that the Irish Embassy at the Vatican was able to re-open after more than two years of acrimonious tension. And, finally, I want to thank you for your steadfast defence of Life, Family and Freedom.

May God grant you fortitude and patience as you assume your next post as the Papal Nuncio to Albania.

We will pray that God grants you the necessary graces for the success of your new mission and that, one day, you might return to visit us in Ireland where you will always find a warm welcome from grateful hearts.

God bless now and always.

Sincerely,[Your Name]

Archbishop Brown: Farewell and thank you for defending Life, Family and Freedom in Ireland!